January 12, 2015Freezing temperatures in the Yuma desert region as well as the Southern California region has made production difficult. Temperatures continue to reach freezing points through the first week in January.

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The Outlook - January 30, 2015
Widespread rain today into Saturday in Southern California and the Southwestern desert regions as the latest tropical system moves in from the south. The upper level low pressure system is forecast to slowly drift south over the Gulf of California (Baja) Friday picking up substantial tropical moisture. This system is set to impact Central and Southern Mexico into early next week with significant rainfall expected.

The Source - January 26, 2015
The high pressure system out on the West Coast will move east today as a cut-off low system originating from the tropics moves into the region today. This system is expected to bring a cool down (60s to low 70s) and widespread precipitation Southern California and the Desert regions into Tuesday. Mid-term forecasts bring a couple more of these cut-off low systems into the region late this week and again early next week. These systems are tricky to forecast the exact track but cooler temperatures and intermittent showers are likely through early next week.

The Outlook - January 21, 2015
Warm temperatures with possible record highs and strong winds will continue through the weekend in Southern California and the Southwestern growing regions. A change in the weather pattern however is expected next week. Forecast guidance models have been consistent in bringing a cut-off low from the tropics into Baja and Southern California on Monday.

The Source - January 19, 2015
The high pressure system out on the West Coast will continue to bring above normal temperatures (mid to upper 70s) to the region with possible record highs over the weekend. Strong winds (20-35mph) will accompany the high pressure over the next few days. Forecasts continue to show the potential of a cut-off low system originating from the tropics impacting the region with significant precipitation early next week. We will be closely watching this cut-off system as it approached the region.

The Outlook - January 16, 2015
The strong high pressure system out on the West Coast will bring above normal temperatures to the region with possible record highs in the desert locals over the weekend. This warming trend will continue into mid next week as a high pressure ridge dominates the forecast. Mid-range forecasts show the potential of a cut-off low system impacting Southern California and the desert locals late next week. We will be closely watching the weather reports next week for a more precise forecast as to this system.

The Outlook - January 14, 2015
With warmer temperatures in the desert regions expected to continue into next week, fields will begin to show the extent of damage done by the freeze. Most crops were weeks ahead of schedule due to warm fall temperatures and seed varieties planted. These early season varieties are not adapted to the warmth received this fall. This increased growth rates while substantially lowering yields in the fields. Then the extended freezing temperatures that impacted the entire region arrived. Growth rates slowed to a crawl while causing extensive damage to the numerous crops in the fields further lowering yields. Overall texture and shelf life will be severely challenged in upcoming supplies.

The Outlook - January 6, 2015
One more day of cold morning temperatures are on tap for the Southwestern Desert growing regions, as a strong high pressure ridge brings warmer temperatures through the week. This strong high pressure ridge will deflect storm systems to the north and bring warmer (70s) afternoon temperatures while also keeping the region clear with cold mornings likely to continue in the coldest valleys.

The Outlook - January 2, 2015
Another few days of very cold morning temperatures are on tap for California and the Southwestern Desert growing regions, as the very cold air mass begins to move east under building high pressure early next week. Widespread lettuce ice is forecast to continue in the desert locals into early next week with the coldest mornings expected today and Saturday.